Page 16 of Rugged Mountain Man
Chapter six
Cormac
“Home, sweet, home,” Raff announced.
I limped alongside him, an arm wrapped around his shoulder for support as we entered the cabin. Mika trailed behind us. She’d barely said anything at all since showing up at the hospital with Raff to take me home.
Was she having second thoughts about staying with me? Would she change her mind?
Raff helped me into the living room. I eased myself down into the armchair, already feeling restless and impatient to get my independence back.
“Are you sure you don’t need anything else from me?” Raff asked, standing aside with his hands on his hips.
My gaze slid over to Mika where she was looking around, taking in her surroundings. Her thumbs were hooked into the straps of her backpack. After a decent night of rest, a proper shower, and a change of clothes, she didn’t look like a frightenedrabbit anymore. And she’d attempted to cover that bruise with some concealer, too. I could still see the shadow of it, dark and lurking beneath the surface of her makeup, but it wasn’t as obvious as before.
“We’ve got it covered from here, Raff,” I assured him. “I’ll call you if that changes.”
“All right. Then I’ll leave you in Mika’s capable hands. Stay off that leg, doctor’s orders.”
“Stop fussing at me like a mother hen already,” I groused, good-naturedly.
“Then leave the chainsaw to a younger man next time,” Raff shot back.
I growled and waved him off.
“If I had two good legs, I’d kick your ass for that.”
“But since you don’t,” Raff replied. “Looks like all you can do is sit there and sulk, big brother.”
He clapped me on the shoulder and winked at Mika as he passed her.
“Don’t let the grumpy old hermit get to you,” he said.
“I’m not scared of him,” she replied softly.
I twisted in my seat with surprise to look at her. Then Raff was gone, the rumble of his truck fading into the distance. Mika and I were alone in the silence.
She spread her hands.
“Is there anything you'd like me to do? Clean the kitchen? Make some lunch? I’m not a great cook, but I’m sure I could whip up something.”
She didn’t have to earn her keep. She was my guest. I liked having her in that rustic hunting cabin with me. And I liked having her here, too. Her presence was comforting after a decade of living as a bachelor, solitary, alone.
“Why don’t you get settled first?” I gestured down the hall. “The spare bedrooms are through there. You can take your pick.The bedroom on the left has an east-facing window though, and it overlooks the woods. If you want a view, I’d take that one.”
Mika nodded and swayed in place, looking uncertain. Finally, she squared her shoulders and marched down the hall, disappearing around the corner.
I blew out a breath, sinking back into my chair. I never dreamed I would have another woman in my house, sharing my living space with me. But I wanted this to go smoothly. I wanted Mika to be comfortable and happy here. She didn’t deserve to be running scared because of that bastard who had raised his hand to her.
When Mika returned, her backpack and coat were gone. She’d taken off her shoes too, padding around in her purple socks.
“Thank you again, for letting me stay here,” she said, tugging her sleeves down over her hands nervously. “I really appreciate it. And as soon as you’re feeling better, I’ll get out of your hair.”
For the first time in my life, I hoped my recovery would not be a speedy one.
“Mika,” I said. “I haven’t invited anyone else into this house for ten years. The only exception to that statement would be Raff, and he sort of just…pushes his way in, even if I’d rather be alone. If I didn’t want you here, I wouldn’t have allowed you past my threshold.”
She let that sink in for a moment and her restless fingers finally went still. She tucked her hands behind her back and released a slow, steady breath.
